Ehrlichia chaffeensis 28 kDa outer membrane protein multigene family

ABSTRACT

The 28-kDa outer membrane proteins (P28) of  Ehrlichia chaffeensis  are encoded by a multigene family consisting of 21 members located in a 23-kb DNA fragment in the genome of  E. chaffeensis . Fifteen of these proteins are claimed herein as novel sequences. The amino acid sequence identity of the various P28 proteins was 20-83%. Six of 10 tested p28 genes were actively transcribed in cell culture grown  E. chaffeensis . RT-PCR also indicated that each of the p28 genes was monocistronic. These results suggest that the p28 genes are active genes and encode polymorphic forms of the P28 proteins. The P28s were also divergent among different isolates of  E. chaffeensis . The large repertoire of the p28 genes in a single ehrlichial organism and antigenic diversity of the P28 among the isolates of  E. chaffeensis  suggest that the P28s may be involved in immune avoidance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the fields of microbiology, bacteriology and molecular biology. More specifically, the present invention relates to the molecular cloning and characterization of the Ehrlichia chaffeensis 28 kD outer membrane protein multigene family.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Ehrlichia are small, obligatory intracellular, gram negative bacteria which reside in endosomes inside host cells. Ehrlichiae usually cause persistent infection in their natural animal hosts (Andrew and Norval, 1989, Breitschwerdt et al., 1998, Dawson et al., 1994, Dawson and Ewing, 1992, Harrus et al., 1998, Telford et al., 1996). Persistent or prolonged Ehrlichia infections in human hosts have also been documented (Dumler et al., 1993, Dumler and Bakken, 1996, Horowitz, et al., 1998, Roland et al. 1994). The persistent infection may be caused by the antigenic variation of the Ehrlichia omp-2 and p28 outer membrane protein family due to differential expression or recombination of the msp-2 multigene family (Palmer et al., 1994, Palmer et al., 1998) or the p28 multigene family (Ohashi et al., 1998b, Reddy et al., 1998, Yu et al., 1999b).

[0003] The omp-2 and p28 are homologous gene families coding for outer membrane proteins. The msp-2 multigene family has been identified in A. marginale (Palmer et al., 1994), A. ovina (Palmer et al., 1998), and the human granulocytotropic ehrlichiosis agent (Ijdo et al., 1998, Murphy et al.,1998). The p28 multigene family has been found in E. canis group ehrlichiae including E. canis, E. chaffeensis, and E. muris (McBride et al., 1999a, 1999b, Ohashi et al., 1998a, 1998b, Reddy et al., 1998, Yu et al., 1999a, 1999b). The map-1 multigene family found in Cowdria ruminantium is more closely related to the p28 multigene family than to the msp-2 multigene family, both in sequence similarity and gene organization (Sulsona et al., 1999, van Vliet et al., 1994). The msp-2 genes are dispersed in the genome whereas the p28/map-1 genes are located in a single locus.

[0004] To elucidate the mechanism of the host immune avoidance involving the multigene family, the critical questions that remain to be answered are how many genes are present in each multigene family and which genes are silent or active. E. chaffeensis is the pathogen of an emerging disease, human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis. Recent studies have found seven homologous polymorphic p28 genes in E. chaffeensis which encode proteins from 28 to 30-kDa (Ohashi et al., 1998b, Reddy et al., 1998). The seven sequenced p28 genes were located in three loci of the E. chaffeensis genome. The first locus, omp-1 contained six p28 genes. One gene was partially sequenced (omp1-a) and five genes were completely sequenced (omp-1b, -1c, -1d, -1e, and -1f) (Ohashi et al., 1998b). The second locus contained a single p28 gene (Ohashi et al., 1998b, Yu et al., 1999b). The third locus contained five p28 genes (ORF 1 to 5). The first four open reading frames overlapped with the DNA sequences from omp-1c to omp-1f and the fifth open reading frame overlapped with the single gene in the second locus. Therefore, the three loci could be assembled into a single locus (Reddy et al., 1998).

[0005] The prior art is deficient in the lack of the knowledge of many of the sequences of the genes in the p28 multigene family of E. chaffeensis. The present invention fulfills this long-standard need and desire in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The 28-kDa outer membrane proteins (P28) of Ehrlichia chaffeensis are encoded by a multigene family. The p28 multigene family of E. chaffeensis is located in a single locus, which is easy to sequence by genome walking. The purpose of present study was to determine all the p28 gene sequences and their transcriptional activities. There were 21 members of the p28 multigene family located in a 23-kb DNA fragment in the E. chaffeensis genome. The p28 genes were 816 to 903 nucleotides in size and were separated by intergenic spaces of 10 to 605 nucleotides. All the genes were complete and were predicted to have signal sequences. The molecular masses of the mature proteins were predicted to be 28- to 32-kDa. The amino acid sequence identity of the P28 proteins was 20-83%. Ten p28 genes were investigated for transcriptional activity by using RT-PCR amplification of mRNA. Six of 10 tested p28 genes were actively transcribed in cell culture grown E. chaffeensis. RT-PCR also indicated that each of the p28 genes was monocistronic. These results suggest that the p28 genes are active genes and encode polymorphic forms of the P28 proteins. In addition, the P28s were divergent among separate isolates of E. chaffeensis. The large repertoire of the p28 genes in a single ehrlichial organism and antigenic diversity of the P28 among the isolates of E. chaffeensis suggest that P28s may be involved in immune avoidance.

[0007] The present invention describes the molecular cloning, sequencing, characterization, and expression of the multigene locus of P28 from Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The present invention describes a number of newly described genes for P28 proteins including proteins having amino acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No.2, SEQ ID No. 3, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 5, SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID No. 7, SEQ ID No. 8, SEQ ID No. 9, SEQ ID No. 10, SEQ ID No 11, SEQ ID No. 12, SEQ ID No. 13, SEQ ID No. 20 and SEQ ID No. 21. These P28 genes are contained in a single 23 kb multigene locus of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The novel part of this locus are described in GenBank accession number AF230642 and GenBank accession number AF230643.

[0008] The instant invention is also directed to DNA encoding a P28 protein selected from those described above. This DNA may consist of isolated DNA that encodes a P28 protein; isolated DNA which hybridizes to DNA encoding an isolated P28 gene, and isolated DNA encoding a P28 protein which differs due to the degeneracy of the genetic code.

[0009] The instant invention is also directed to a vector comprising a P28 gene and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in a cell. This vector may be used to transfect a host cell selected from group consisting of bacterial cells, mammalian cells, plant cells and insect cells. E. coli is an example of a bacterial cell into which the vector may be transfected.

[0010] The instant invention is also directed to an isolated and purified Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28 surface protein selected from those described above including those with amino acid sequences SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No.2, SEQ ID No. 3, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 5, SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID No. 7, SEQ ID No. 8, SEQ ID No. 9, SEQ ID No. 10, SEQ ID No 11, SEQ ID No. 12, SEQ ID No. 13, SEQ ID No. 20 and SEQ ID No. 21.

[0011] The instant invention also describes an antibody directed against one of these P28 proteins. This antibody may be a monoclonal antibody.

[0012] The novel P28 proteins of the instant invention may b e used in a vaccine against Ehrlichia chaffeensis.

[0013] Other and further aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention given for the purpose of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] So that the matter in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others which will become clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to certain embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting in their scope.

[0015]FIG. 1 shows the scheme of sequencing the p28 gene locus by genome walking and the organization of the p28 genes. Three loci of p28 genes previously sequenced were aligned and assembled into a single contiguous sequence. Initial primers (arrow heads) were designed near the 5′ and 3′ ends of the contiguous sequence to walk the genome. The block arrows represented the positions and the directions of the p28 genes. The scale indicated the nucleotides in kilobases.

[0016]FIG. 2 shows a clustal alignment of the amino acid sequences of the E. chaffeensis Arkansas strain P28s (1-21). P28-1 was used as consensus sequence. Dots represented residues identical to those of the consensus sequence. Gaps represented by dash lines were introduced for optimal alignment of the DNA sequences. The hypervariable regions were underlined.

[0017]FIG. 3 shows the phylogenetic relationships of the P28s (1-21). The number on the branch indicated the bootstrap values.

[0018]FIG. 4 shows Southern blotting. Two bands of 17.6 and 5.3 kb were detected by a p28 gene probe on Cla I restriction endonuclease digested E. chaffeensis genomic DNA (lane E). M: molecular weight marker.

[0019]FIG. 5 shows RT-PCR amplification of the mRNA of E. chaffeensis p28 genes (RT-PCR). In the PCR controls, reverse transcriptase was omitted. The numbers of each lane indicated the p28 genes. M represents a molecular weight marker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following abbreviations may be used herein: BCIP/NBT-5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate/nitrobluetetrazolium substrate; ATP—adenosine triphosphate; DNA—deoxyribonucleic acid; E—Ehrlichia; kDa—kilodalton; mRNA—messenger ribonucleic acid; ORF—open reading frame; P28-28-kDa kDa outer membrane proteins; PCR—polymerase chain reaction; RT—PCR—reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention there may be employed conventional molecular biology, microbiology, and recombinant DNA techniques within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. See, e.g., Maniatis, Fritsch & Sambrook, “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (1982); “DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach,” Volumes I and II (D. N. Glover ed. 1985); “Oligonucleotide Synthesis” (M. J. Gait ed. 1984); “Nucleic Acid Hybridization” [B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. (1985)]; “Transcription and Translation” [B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. (1984)]; “Animal Cell Culture” [R. I. Freshney, ed. (1986)]; “Immobilized Cells And Enzymes” [IRL Press, (1986)]; B. Perbal, “A Practical Guide To Molecular Cloning” (1984).

[0022] Therefore, if appearing herein, the following terms shall have the definitions set out below.

[0023] A “replicon” is any genetic element (e.g., plasmid, chromosome, virus) that functions as an autonomous unit of DNA replication in vivo; i.e., capable of replication under its own control.

[0024] A “vector” is a replicon, such as plasmid, phage or cosmid, to which another DNA segment may be attached so as to bring about the replication of the attached segment.

[0025] A “DNA molecule” refers to the polymeric form of deoxyribonucleotides (adenine, guanine, thymine, or cytosine) in its either single stranded form, or a double-stranded helix. This term refers only to the primary and secondary structure of the molecule, and does not limit it to any particular tertiary forms. Thus, this term includes double-stranded DNA found, inter alia, in linear DNA molecules (e.g., restriction fragments), viruses, plasmids, and chromosomes. In discussing the structure herein according to the normal convention of giving only the sequence in the 5′ to 3′ direction along the nontranscribed strand of DNA (i.e., the strand having a sequence homologous to the mRNA).

[0026] A DNA “coding sequence” is a double-stranded DNA sequence that is transcribed and translated into a polypeptide in vivo when placed under the control of appropriate regulatory sequences. The boundaries of the coding sequence are determined by a start codon at the 5′ (amino) terminus and a translation stop codon at the 3′ (carboxyl) terminus. A coding sequence can include, but is not limited to, prokaryotic sequences, cDNA from eukaryotic mRNA, genomic DNA sequences from eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian) DNA, and even synthetic DNA sequences. A polyadenylation signal and transcription termination sequence will usually be located 3′ to the coding sequence.

[0027] Transcriptional and translational control sequences are DNA regulatory sequences, such as promoters, enhancers, polyadenylation signals, terminators, and the like, that provide for the expression of a coding sequence in a host cell.

[0028] A “promoter sequence” is a DNA regulatory region capable of binding RNA polymerase in a cell and initiating transcription of a downstream (3′ direction) coding sequence. For purposes of defining the present invention, the promoter sequence is bounded at its 3′ terminus by the transcription initiation site and extends upstream (5′ direction) to include the minimum number of bases or elements necessary to initiate transcription at levels detectable above background. Within the promoter sequence will be found a transcription initiation site, as well as protein binding domains (consensus sequences) responsible for the binding of RNA polymerase. Eukaryotic promoters often, but not always, contain “TATA” boxes and “CAT” boxes. Prokaryotic promoters contain Shine-Dalgarno sequences in addition to the −10 and −35 consensus sequences.

[0029] An “expression control sequence” is a DNA sequence that controls and regulates the transcription and translation of another DNA sequence. A coding sequence is “under the control” of transcriptional and translational control sequences in a cell when RNA polymerase transcribes the coding sequence into mRNA, which is then translated into the protein encoded by the coding sequence.

[0030] A “signal sequence” can be included near the coding sequence. This sequence encodes a signal peptide, N-terminal to the polypeptide, that communicates to the host cell to direct the polypeptide to the cell surface or secrete the polypeptide into the media, and this signal peptide is clipped off by the host cell before the protein leaves the cell. Signal sequences can be found associated with a variety of proteins native to prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

[0031] The term “oligonucleotide”, as used herein in referring to the probe of the present invention, is defined as a molecule comprised of two or more ribonucleotides, preferably more than three. Its exact size will depend upon many factors which, in turn, depend upon the ultimate function and use of the oligonucleotide.

[0032] The term “primer” as used herein refers to an oligonucleotide, whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest or produced synthetically. A “primer” is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which synthesis of a primer extension product, which is complementary to a nucleic acid strand, is induced (i.e., in the presence of nucleotides and an inducing agent such as a DNA polymerase and at a suitable temperature and pH). The primer may be either single-stranded or double-stranded and must b e sufficiently long to prime the synthesis of the desired extension product in the presence of the inducing agent. The exact length of the primer will depend upon many factors, including temperature, source of primer and use the method. For example, for diagnostic applications, depending on the complexity of the target sequence, the oligonucleotide primer typically contains 15-25 or more nucleotides, although it may contain fewer nucleotides.

[0033] The primers herein are selected to be “substantially” complementary to different strands of a particular target DNA sequence. This means that the primers must be sufficiently complementary to hybridize with their respective strands. Therefore, the primer sequence need not reflect the exact sequence of the template. For example, a non-complementary nucleotide fragment may be attached to the 5′ end of the primer, with the remainder of the primer sequence being complementary to the strand. Alternatively, non-complementary bases or longer sequences can be interspersed into the primer, provided that the primer sequence has sufficient complementarity with the sequence or hybridize therewith and thereby form the template for the synthesis of the extension product.

[0034] A cell has been “transformed” by exogenous or heterologous DNA when such DNA has been introduced inside the cell. The transforming DNA may or may not be integrated (covalently linked) into the genome of the cell. In prokaryotes, yeast, and mammalian cells for example, the transforming DNA may be maintained on an episomal element such as a plasmid. With respect to eukaryotic cells, a stably transformed cell is one in which the transforming DNA has become integrated into a chromosome so that it is inherited by daughter cells through chromosome replication. This stability is demonstrated by the ability of the eukaryotic cell to establish cell lines or clones comprised of a population of daughter cells containing the transforming DNA. A “clone” is a population of cells derived from a single cell or ancestor by mitosis. A “cell line” is a clone of a primary cell that is capable of stable growth in vitro for many generations.

[0035] Two DNA sequences are “substantially homologous” when at least about 75% (preferably at least about 80%, and most preferably at least about 90% or 95%) of the nucleotides match over the defined length of the DNA sequences. Sequences that are substantially homologous can be identified by comparing the sequences using standard software available in sequence data banks, or in a Southern hybridization experiment under, for example, stringent conditions as defined for that particular system. Defining appropriate hybridization conditions is within the skill of the art. See, e.g., Maniatis et al., supra; DNA Cloning, Vols. I & II, supra; Nucleic Acid Hybridization, supra.

[0036] A “heterologous” region of the DNA construct is an identifiable segment of DNA within a larger DNA molecule that is not found in association with the larger molecule in nature. Thus, when the heterologous region encodes a mammalian gene, the gene will usually be flanked by DNA that does not flank the mammalian genomic DNA in the genome of the source organism. In another example, coding sequence is a construct where the coding sequence itself is not found in nature (e.g., a cDNA where the genomic coding sequence contains introns, or synthetic sequences having codons different than the native gene). Allelic variations or naturally occurring mutational events do not give rise to a heterologous region of DNA as defined herein.

[0037] The labels most commonly employed for these studies are radioactive elements, enzymes, chemicals which fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light, and others. A number of fluorescent materials are known and can be utilized as labels. These include, for example, fluorescein, rhodamine, auramine, Texas Red, AMCA blue and Lucifer Yellow. A particular detecting material is anti-rabbit antibody prepared in goats and conjugated with fluorescein through an isothiocyanate.

[0038] Proteins can also be labeled with a radioactive element or with an enzyme. The radioactive label can be detected by any of the currently available counting procedures. The preferred isotope may be selected from ³H, ¹⁴C, ³²P, ³⁵S, ³⁶Cl, ⁵¹Cr, ⁵⁷Co, ⁵⁸Co, ⁵⁹Fe, ⁹⁰Y, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I, and ¹⁸⁶Re.

[0039] Enzyme labels are likewise useful, and can be detected by any of the presently utilized colorimetric, spectrophotometric, fluorospectrophotometric, amperometric or gasometric techniques. The enzyme is conjugated to the selected particle by reaction with bridging molecules such as carbodiimides, diisocyanates, glutaraldehyde and the like. Many enzymes which can be used in these procedures are known and can be utilized. The preferred are peroxidase, β-glucuronidase, β-D-glucosidase, β-D-galactosidase, urease, glucose oxidase plus peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,654,090, 3,850,752, and 4,016,043 are referred to by way of example for their disclosure of alternate labeling material and methods.

[0040] As used herein, the term “host” is meant to include not only prokaryotes but also eukaryotes such as yeast, plant and animal cells. A recombinant DNA molecule or gene which encodes a 28-kDa immunoreactive protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis of the present invention can be used to transform a host using any of the techniques commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Especially preferred is the use of a vector containing coding sequences for a gene encoding a 28-kDa immunoreactive protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis of the present invention for purposes of prokaryote transformation.

[0041] Prokaryotic hosts may include E. coli, S. tymphimurium, Serratia marcescens and Bacillus subtilis. Eukaryotic hosts include yeasts such as Pichia pastoris, mammalian cells and insect cells.

[0042] In general, expression vectors containing promoter sequences which facilitate the efficient transcription of the inserted DNA fragment are used in connection with the host. The expression vector typically contains an origin of replication, promoter(s), terminator(s), as well as specific genes that are capable of providing phenotypic selection in transformed cells. The transformed hosts can be fermented and cultured according to means known in the art to achieve optimal cell growth.

[0043] By “high stringency” is meant DNA hybridization and wash conditions characterized by high temperature and low salt concentration, e.g., wash conditions of 65° C. at a salt concentration of approximately 0.1×SSC, or the functional equivalent thereof. For example, high stringency conditions may include hybridization at about 42° C. in the presence of about 50% formamide; a first wash at about 65° C. with about 2×SSC containing 1% SDS; followed by a second wash at about 65° C. with about 0.1×SSC.

[0044] By “substantially pure DNA” is meant DNA that is not part of a milieu in which the DNA naturally occurs, by virtue of separation (partial or total purification) of some or all of the molecules of that milieu, or by virtue of alteration of sequences that flank the claimed DNA. The term therefore includes, for example, a recombinant DNA which is incorporated into a vector, into an autonomously replicating plasmid or virus, or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote; or which exists as a separate molecule (e.g., a cDNA or a genomic or cDNA fragment produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or restriction endonuclease digestion) independent of other sequences. It also includes a recombinant DNA that is part of a hybrid gene encoding additional polypeptide sequence, e.g., a fusion protein.

[0045] The identity between two sequences is a direct function of the number of matching or identical positions. When a subunit position in both of the two sequences is occupied by the same monomeric subunit, e.g., if a given position is occupied by an adenine in each of two DNA molecules, then they are identical at that position. For example, if 7 positions in a sequence 10 nucleotides in length are identical to the corresponding positions in a second 10-nucleotide sequence, then the two sequences have 70% sequence identity. The length of comparison sequences will generally be at least 50 nucleotides, preferably at least 60 nucleotides, more preferably at least 75 nucleotides, and most preferably 100 nucleotides. Sequence identity is typically measured using sequence analysis software (e.g., Sequence Analysis Software Package of the Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center, 1710 University Avenue, Madison, Wis. 53705).

[0046] A “vector” may be defined as a replicable nucleic acid construct, e.g., a plasmid or viral nucleic acid. Vectors may be used to amplify and/or express nucleic acid encoding a 28-kDa immunoreactive protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. An expression vector is a replicable construct in which a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide is operably linked to suitable control sequences capable of effecting expression of the polypeptide in a cell. The need for such control sequences will vary depending upon the cell selected and the transformation method chosen. Generally, control sequences include a transcriptional promoter and/or enhancer, suitable mRNA ribosomal binding sites, and sequences which control the termination of transcription and translation. Methods, which are well known to those skilled in the art, can be used to construct expression vectors containing appropriate transcriptional and translational control signals. See for example, the techniques described in Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2nd Ed.), Cold Spring Harbor Press, N.Y. A gene and its transcription control sequences are defined as being “operably linked” if the transcription control sequences effectively control the transcription of the gene. Vectors of the invention include, but are not limited to, plasmid vectors and viral vectors. Preferred viral vectors of the invention are those derived from retroviruses, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, SV40 virus, or herpes viruses.

[0047] By a “substantially pure protein” is meant a protein that has been separated from at least some of those components that naturally accompany it. Typically, the protein is substantially pure when it is at least 60%, by weight, free from the proteins and other naturally occurring organic molecules with which it is naturally associated in vivo. Preferably, the purity of the preparation is at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 99%, by weight. A protein is substantially free of naturally associated components when it is separated from at least some of those contaminants that accompany it in its natural state. Thus, a protein that is chemically synthesized or produced in a cellular system different from the cell from which it naturally originates will be, by definition, substantially free from its naturally associated components. Accordingly, substantially pure proteins include eukaryotic proteins synthesized in E. coli, other prokaryotes, or any other organism in which they do not naturally occur.

[0048] The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an allergic or similar untoward reaction when administered to a human. The preparation of an aqueous composition that contains a protein as an active ingredient is well understood in the art. Typically, such compositions are prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions; solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid prior to injection can also be prepared. The preparation can also be emulsified.

[0049] A protein may be formulated into a composition in a neutral or salt form. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the protein) and which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, histidine, procaine and the like.

[0050] Upon formulation, solutions will be administered in a manner compatible with the dosage formulation and in such amount as is therapeutically effective. The formulations are easily administered in a variety of dosage forms such as injectable solutions.

[0051] For parenteral administration in an aqueous solution, f or example, the solution should be suitably buffered if necessary and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose. These particular aqueous solutions are especially suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administration. In this connection, sterile aqueous media that can be employed will be known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. For example, one dosage could be dissolved in 1 ml of isotonic NaCl solution and either added to 1000 mL of hypodermoclysis fluid or injected at the proposed site of infusion, (see for example, “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” 15th Edition, pages 1035-1038 and 1570-1580). Some variation in dosage will necessarily occur depending on the condition of the subject being treated. The person responsible for administration will, in any event, determine the appropriate dose for the individual subject.

[0052] As is well known in the art, a given polypeptide may vary in its immunogenicity. It is often necessary therefore to couple the immunogen (e.g., a polypeptide of the present invention) with a carrier. Exemplary and preferred carriers are keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and human serum albumin. Other carriers may include a variety of lymphokines and adjuvants such as IL2, IL4, IL8 and others.

[0053] Means for conjugating a polypeptide to a carrier protein are well known in the art and include glutaraldehyde, m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, carbo-diimide and bis-biazotized benzidine. It is also understood that the peptide may be conjugated to a protein by genetic engineering techniques that are well known in the art.

[0054] As is also well known in the art, immunogenicity to a particular immunogen can be enhanced by the use of non-specific stimulators of the immune response known as adjuvants. Exemplary and preferred adjuvants include complete BCG, Detox, RIBI (Immunochem Research Inc.), ISCOMS and aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (Superphos, Biosector).

[0055] As used herein the term “complement” is used to define the strand of nucleic acid which will hybridize to the first nucleic acid sequence to form a double stranded molecule under stringent conditions. Stringent conditions are those that allow hybridization between two nucleic acid sequences with a high degree of homology, but precludes hybridization of random sequences. For example, hybridization at low temperature and/or high ionic strength is termed low stringency and hybridization at high temperature and/or low ionic strength is termed high stringency. The temperature and ionic strength of a desired stringency are understood to be applicable to particular probe lengths, to the length and base content of the sequences and to the presence of formamide in the hybridization mixture.

[0056] As used herein, the term “engineered” or “recombinant” cell is intended to refer to a cell into which a recombinant gene, such as a gene encoding an Ehrlichia chaffeensis antigen has been introduced. Therefore, engineered cells are distinguishable from naturally occurring cells that do not contain a recombinantly introduced gene. Engineered cells are thus cells having a gene or genes introduced through the hand of man. Recombinantly introduced genes will either be in the form of a cDNA gene, a copy of a genomic gene, or will include genes positioned adjacent to a promoter not naturally associated with the particular introduced gene. In addition, the recombinant gene may be integrated into the host genome, or it may be contained in a vector, or in a bacterial genome transfected into the host cell.

[0057] The following examples are given for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion.

EXAMPLE 1

[0058] Ehrlichia spp

[0059]Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Arkansas strain) was obtained from Jacqueline Dawson (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga.). Ehrlichiae were cultivated in DH82 cells, a canine macrophage-like cell line. DH82 cells were harvested with a cell scraper when 100% of cells were infected with ehrlichiae. The cells were centrifuged at 17,400×g for 20 min. The pellets were disrupted twice with a Braun-Sonic 2000 sonicator at 40 W for 30 sec on ice. Ehrlichia were then purified by using 30% Percoll gradient centrifugation (Weiss et al, 1989).

EXAMPLE 2

[0060] PCR Amplification of the p28 Multigene Locus

[0061]Ehrlichia chaffeensis genomic DNA was prepared by using an IsoQuick Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit (ORCA Research Inc., Bothell, Wash.) according to the instructions of the manufacturer. The unknown sequences of the p28 multigene locus were amplified by PCR using the Universal GenomeWalker Kit (Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.). Briefly, the E. chaffeensis genomic DNA was digested respectively with Dra I, EcoR V, Pvu II, Sca I, and Stu I. The enzymes were chosen because they generated blunt ended DNA fragments to ligate with the blunt-end of the adapter. The digested E. chaffeensis genomic DNA fragments were ligated with a GenomeWalker Adapter, which had one blunt end and one end with 5′ overhang. The ligation mixture of the adapter and E. chaffeensis genomic DNA fragments was used as template for PCR. Initially, the p28 gene-specific primer amplified the known DNA sequence and extended into the unknown adjacent genomic DNA and the adapter 5′ overhang, which is complementary to the adapter primer. In the subsequent PCR cycles, the target DNA sequences were amplified with both the p28 gene-specific primer and the adapter primer.

EXAMPLE 3

[0062] DNA Sequencing

[0063] The PCR products were purified by using a QIAquick PCR Purification Kit (QIAGEN Inc., Santa Clarita, Calif.) and were sequenced directly using PCR primers when a single clear band was observed on the ethidium-bromide stained agarose gel. If multiple bands appeared, the DNA band of interest was excised from the gel, and the DNA was extracted from the gel using the Gel Extraction Kit (QIAGEN Inc., Santa Clarita, Calif.). The gel-purified DNA was cloned into the Topo TA cloning vector (Invitrogen, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) according to the instructions of the manufacturer. A High Pure Plasmid Isolation Kit (Boehringer Mannheim Corp., Indianapolis, Ind.) was used to purify the plasmids. An ABIPrism 377 DNA Sequencer (Perkin-Elmer Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) was used to sequence the DNA in the Protein Chemistry Laboratory of the University of Texas Medical Branch.

EXAMPLE 4

[0064] Gene Analysis

[0065] DNA sequences and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed using DNASTAR software (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wis.). The signal sequence of the deduced protein was analyzed by using the PSORT program, which predicts the presence of signal sequences (McGeoch, 1985, Von Heijne, 1986) and detects potential transmembrane domains (Klein, 1985). Phylogenetic analysis was performed by the maximum parsimony method of the PAUP 4.0 software (Sunderland Mass.: Sinauer Associates, 1998). Bootstrap values for the consensus tree were based on analysis of 1000 replicates.

EXAMPLE 5

[0066] DNA Sequence Accession Numbers

[0067] The DNA sequences of the E. chaffeensis p28 genes were assigned GenBank accession numbers: AF230642 for the DNA locus of the p28-1 to p28-13 and AF230643 for the DNA locus of p28-20 and p28-21.

EXAMPLE 6

[0068] Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)

[0069] Total RNA of E. chaffeensis-infected DH182 cells was isolated using RNeasy Total RNA Isolation Kit (Qiagen Inc., Santa Clarita, Calif.). The p28 gene mRNA (0.5 μg total RNA) was amplified using a Titan One Tube RT-PCR System (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Gene-specific primer pairs used in the RT-PCR reaction were listed in Table 1. A negative control that included all reagents except reverse transcriptase was included to confirm that genomic DNA was not present in the total RNA preparation. The thermal cycling profile consisted of reverse transcription at 50° C. for 30 min, amplification for 30 cycles at 94° C. for 2 min, 50° C. for 1 min, and 68° C. for 1 min, and an elongation step at 68° C. for 7 min. TABLE 1 Gene-specific primers for RT-PCR Sequences of forward (f) Product Gene and reverse (r) primers length (bp) p28-10 (f)ACG TGA TAT GGA AAG CAA CAA GT (SEQ ID No. 22) 384 (r)GCG CCG AAA TAT CCA ACA (SEQ ID No. 23) p28-11 (f)GGT CAA ACT TGC CCT AAA GAG A (SEQ ID No. 24) 406 (r)ACT TCA CCA CCA AAA TAC CCA ATA (SEQ ID No. 25) p28-12 (f)CTG CTG GCA TTA GTT ACC C (SEQ ID No. 26) 334 (r)CAT AGC AGC CAT TGA CC (SEQ ID No. 27) p28-13 (f)ATT GAT TGC CTA TTA CTT GAT GGT (SEQ ID No. 28) 333 (r)AAT GGG GCT GTT GGT TAC TC (SEQ ID No. 29) p28-14 (f)TGA AGA CGC AAT AGC AGA TAA GA (SEQ ID No. 30) 269 (r)TAG CGC AGA TGT GGT TTG AG (SEQ ID No. 31) p28-15 (f)ACT GTC GCG TTG TAT GGT TTG (SEQ ID No. 32) 371 (r)ATT AGT GCT GCT TGC TTT ACG A (SEQ ID No. 33) p28-17 (f)TGC AAG GTG ACA ATA TTA GTG GTA (SEQ ID No. 34) 367 (r)GTA TTC CGC TGT TGT CTT GTT G (SEQ ID No. 35) p28-18 (f)ACA TTT TGG CGT ATT CTC TGC (SEQ ID No. 36) 312 (r)TAG CTT TCC CCC ACT GTT ATG (SEQ ID No. 37) p28-20 (f)AAC TTA TGG CTT TCT CCT CCT TTC (SEQ ID No. 38) 340 (r)TTG CCT GAT AAT TCT TTT TCT GAT (SEQ ID No. 39) p28-21 (f)ACC AAC TTC CCA ACC AAA ATA ATC (SEQ ID No. 40) 421 (r)CTG AAG GAG GAG AAA GCC ATA AGT (SEQ ID No. 41)

EXAMPLE 7

[0070] Southern Blotting

[0071] The DNA sequences of the p28 multigene locus were analyzed for the presence of restriction sites using a Mapdraw program (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wis.). Ehrlichia chaffeensis genomic DNA was digested by restriction endonuclease Cla I. The DNA was separated using a 0.8% agarose gel. DNA was blotted onto nylon membranes by capillary transfer. The probe was DNA-amplified from the p28 multigene locus by using PCR and was labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP using a DIG DNA Labeling Kit (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.). The probe corresponded to the nucleotides from 8900 to 10620 of the locus, which included the 3′ end of p28-7, the entire gene of p28-8, the 5′ end of p28-9, and the intergenic sequences between the three genes. DNA hybridization was performed at 42° C. overnight in the Eazy Hybridization Buffer (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.). The DNA probes were detected using the colorimetric reagent (BCIP/NBT) following the instructions of the manufacturer (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.).

EXAMPLE 8

[0072] PCR Amplification of the p28 Multigene Locus

[0073] The sequences of three p28 gene loci were obtained from GenBank (accessions: AF021338, AF062761, and AF068234) (Ohashi et al., 1998b, Reddy et al., 1998, Yu et al., 1999b) and were assembled into a single contiguous DNA sequence which contained seven p28 genes with the first one incomplete. Gene-specific primers to the partial gene (primer 1a-r1 and primer1a-r2) and the DNA sequence downstream of the last p28 gene (primers 28f1 and 28f2) were designed from the contiguous sequence for the initial extension of the p28 gene locus of E. chaffeensis.

[0074] The scheme of PCR-amplification of the p28 multigene locus is illustrated in FIG. 1, and the sequences of the gene specific primers were listed in Table 2. A 1.6-kb DNA fragment was amplified initially from the 5′ end of the locus from a Stu I-restriction genomic library by nested PCR using primer 1a-r2. The PCR products were sequenced directly, and a new primer (28r3) was designed from the sequence to further extend the 5′ end sequence of the locus. A 4.5-kb DNA fragment (pvu4.5) was amplified from a Pvu II-restriction genomic library by using primer 28r3. The 5′ end of the DNA locus was further extended with six additional primer walks by using primers: pvur32, 28r12, 28stur, 28r14, and 28r15. Each primer was designed from the DNA sequences from the preceding PCR product. The 3′ end of the locus was initially extended for 1.5-kb by nested PCR using primers 28f1 and 28f2. The 1.5-kb DNA fragment was directly sequenced and used to design a new primer (28f3) to further walk the 3′ end of the locus.

[0075] A 2.8-kb DNA fragment (stu2.8) was amplified from a Stu I-restriction genomic library by using primer 28f3. The pvu4.5, pvu1.8, and stu2.8 DNA fragments were gel-purified and cloned into the Topo TA PCR cloning vector. The DNA in the Topo TA vector was sequenced initially using the M13 reverse and M13 forward primers and extended by primer walking. The sequence on the 5′ end of stu2.8 was not readable following M13 forward and reverse primers, possibly due to the secondary structure. Thus, the recombinant Topo TA plasmid containing the stu2.8 DNA was digested with the restriction enzyme Kpn I. A 700-bp fragment of DNA was deleted from the 5′ end of the stu2.8 DNA. The plasmid was ligated again, and the insert was sequenced using M13 reverse and M13 forward primers. The rest of PCR products were sequenced directly. TABLE 2 Primers for genome walking the E. chaffeensis p28 multigene locus Product Name Sequences length (kb) 1a-r1^(a) ACC AAA GTA TGC AAT GTC AAG TG (SEQ ID No.42) 1a-r2 CTG CAG ATG TGA CTT TAG GAG ATT C (SEQ ID No.43) 1.6 28r3 TGT ATA TCT TCC AGG GTC TTT GA (SEQ ID No.44) 4.5 pvur32 GAC CAT TCT ACC TCA ACC (SEQ ID No.45) 1.8 28r10 ATA TCC AAT TGC TCC ACT GAA A (SEQ ID No.46) 1.5 28r12 CTT GAA ATG TAA CAG TAT ATG GAC CTT GAA (SEQ ID No.47) 2.2 28stur TGT CCT TTT TAA GCC CAA CT (SEQ ID No.48) 1.5 28r14 TTC TGC AGA TTG ATG TGG ATG TTT (SEQ ID No.49) 4.7 28r15 TGC AGA TTG ATG TGG ATG TTT (SEQ ID No.50) 1.1 28f1^(b) GTA AAA CAC AAG CCA CCA GTC T (SEQ ID No.51) 28f2 GGG CAT ATA CCT ACA CCA AAC ACC (SEQ ID No.52) 1.5 28f3 TAA GAG GAT TGG GTA AGG ATA (SEQ ID No.53) 2.8

EXAMPLE 9

[0076] p28 Gene Family Consists of 21 Homologous but Distinct Genes

[0077] The sequences of the DNA fragments were assembled together by using the Seqman program (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wis.) into a 23-kb segment of DNA. There were 21 homologous p28 genes in the DNA locus. The genes were designated as p28-1 to p28-21 according to their positions from the 5′ end to the 3′ end of the locus (FIG. 1). Most of the genes were tandemly arranged in one direction in the locus, and the last two genes (p28-20 and p28-21) were in the complementary strand. The sizes of the genes ranged from 816 bp to 903 bp while length of the non-coding sequences between the neighboring genes varied from 10 to 605-bp. The intergenic spaces between p28-1 and p28-2 and between p28-6 and p28-7 encoded a 150 amino acid protein and a 195 amino acid protein, respectively, and the two proteins had no sequence similarity to any known proteins. On the 5′ end of the locus, there is a 1347 nucleotide open reading frame, which was similar to clpX gene, a class-III heat-shock gene encoding an ATP-dependent protease.

[0078] All the P28s were predicted to have a signal sequence. The signal sequences of P28-1, P28-7, and P28-8 were predicted to be uncleavable. The signal sequences of the rest of the P28s were predicted to be cleavable, and the proteins were predicted to b e cleaved from positions varying from position 19 to position 30. The predicted molecular sizes of the mature P28s were from 25.8-kDa to 32.1-kDa. The C-termini and the middle of the proteins were most conserved. There were 4 hypervariable regions in the amino acid sequences of the P28 proteins (FIG. 2). The first hypervariable region was immediately after the signal sequence. No proteins had identical sequences in the hypervariable regions (FIG. 2).

EXAMPLE 10

[0079] Phylogenetic Relationships of the P28s

[0080] The amino acid sequence identity of the P28s varied from 20% to 83% (FIG. 3). In general, the proteins derived from adjacent genes had higher identities. The P28s having the highest amino acid sequence identities were from P28-16 to P28-19, which were 68.3 to 82.7% identical to each other. The next group with high sequence identity was from P28-7 to P28-13, which were 47.6 to 66.9% identical to each other. The sequence identity among the rest of the E. chaffeensis P28s were from 19.7 to 45.6%.

[0081] The amino acid sequences of the P28s of E. chaffeensis were highly homologous to the P28 protein families of E. canis and E. muris (McBride et al., 1999a, 1999b, Reddy et al., 1998, Yu et al., 1999a) and the MAP-1 protein family of C. ruminantium (van Vliet et al.,1994, Sulsona et al., 1999). P28-17 of E. chaffeensis was the most conserved protein among the Ehrlichia species. The amino acid sequence of the E. chaffeensis P28-17 was 58% to 60% identical to the P28s of E. canis and 78% to 81% identical to the P28s of E. muris. The P28s of E. chaffeensis also have significant similarity to the MSP-4 protein (Oberle and Barbet, 1993), and the MSP-2 protein families of A. marginale (Palmer et al., 1994) and the MSP-2 of the human granulocytotropic ehrlichiosis agent (Ijdo et al., 1998, Murphy et al., 1998).

EXAMPLE 11

[0082] p28 Genes Located in a Single Locus

[0083] Southern blotting was performed to detect whether all the p28 genes were located on a single locus and whether the whole locus has been sequenced. Cla I restriction endonuclease was predicted to digest the p28 gene locus at three sites generating 5268 bp and 17550 bp DNA fragments. Southern blot using a p28 gene probe demonstrated a strong band of 17.6-kb and a weak band of 5.3-kb in the Cla I-digested E. chaffeensis genomic DNA (FIG. 4). This result indicated that all the p28 genes were located on two Cla I DNA fragments and that all the p28 genes had been sequenced. Sequencing a segment of 2.3 kb DNA upstream of the first p28 gene and a segment of 2 kb downstream of the last p28 gene did not reveal any additional p28 genes.

EXAMPLE 12

[0084] Transcriptional Activity of the p28 Multigene Family

[0085] The transcriptional activity was evaluated by RT-PCR for 10 p28 genes including p28-10, p28-11, p28-12, p28-13, p28-14, p28-15, p28-17, p28-18, p28-20, and p28-21 (FIG. 5). These genes were selected for transcriptional analysis because they represented genes tightly clustered together (p28-10 to p28-13), genes with larger intergenic spaces (p28-14 to p28-18), or genes in the complementary strand (p28-20 and p28-21). To ensure the specificity of RT-PCR, each primer pair was designed to be specific for a single p28 gene only. DNA bands of expected size were observed in ethidium-bromide stained agarose gels of the RT-PCR products for the following genes: p28-10, p28-11, p28-12, p28-15, p28-18, and p28-20. No DNA band was detected in ethidium-bromide stained agarose gels of RT-PCR products of the following genes: p28-13, p28-14, p28-17, and p28-21. The rest of the p28 genes were not investigated for their transcription. In the controls, no DNA was amplified from any genes by PCR reactions from which reverse transcriptase was omitted. All the primer pairs produced products of the expected size when using E. chaffeensis genomic DNA as template (data not shown).

EXAMPLE 3

[0086] p28 Genes Were Monocistronic

[0087] Monocistronic mRNA represents a single gene and polycistronic mRNA codes for several proteins. Two adjacent p28 genes might be polycistronically transcribed if both genes yield RT-PCR products. Two adjacent genes were monocistronically transcribed if one gene yielded a RT-PCR product and the other yielded no RT-PCR product. From FIG. 5, it was deduced that the following pairs of genes were not polycistronically transcribed: p28-12 and p28-13, p28-14 and p28-15, p28-17 and p28-18, and p28-20 and p28-21. The detection of p28-10 to p28-12 by RT-PCR indicated they might have been transcribed polycistronically. However, a RT-PCR experiments using the p28-10 gene forward primer and the p28-11 gene reverse primer failed to produce any PCR product. Furthermore, amplification with the p28-11 gene forward primer and the p28-12 gene reverse primer to amplify p28-11 and p28-12 as a single DNA fragment failed to yield product. However, both pairs of primers amplified the corresponding DNA segments. This data indicated that these genes were monocistronically transcribed.

EXAMPLE 14

[0088] The P28s Were Divergent Among the E. chaffeensis Isolates

[0089] A p28 gene corresponding to p28-19 of Arkansas strain was sequenced in four additional E. chaffeensis isolates made previously (Yu et al., 1999b). Clustal alignment indicated that none of the P28 genes of the Arkansas strain had identical amino acid sequence with the single sequenced P28 of the four E. chaffeensis isolates. The sequenced P28's from all four isolates were most similar (85-86%) to the P28-19 protein of Arkansas strain. Thus, they were analogs of P28-19 of Arkansas strain.

[0090] Discussion

[0091] The complete sequence of an entire locus of p28 genes is reported herein for the first time. Complete sequencing of the p28 multigene locus in E. chaffeensis in this study will contribute to the investigation of the origin of the multigene family and the function of the multigenes. Gene families are thought to have arisen by duplication of an original ancestral gene, with different members of the family then diverging as a consequence of mutations during evolution. The most conserved p28 gene among the species of Ehrlichia should be the ancestral gene. E. chaffeensis p28-15 to p28-19 are the genes most similar to the p28 of E. canis and E. muris. Therefore, the p28 genes might have arisen from one of the p28-15 to p28-19 genes. The wide presence of the p28/msp-2 multigenes in the Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Cowdria indicate that these organisms are phylogenetically related. The significant sequence identity between the p28 multigene family and the msp-2 multigene family indicates that the two gene families originated from a common ancestor gene.

[0092] p28 genes corresponding to the p28-14 to p28-19 were sequenced previously and designated as omp-1b to omp-1f and p28 by Ohashi et al. (1998b) and ORF-1 to ORF-5 by Reddy et al(1998). An alphabetic letter or a number assigned to each gene attempted to indicate the order and position of the genes in the locus. Neither previously assigned letters nor the numbers truly represent the position of the genes in the locus as revealed when it was sequenced completely. Thus, the genes were renamed to best represent the order of the genes in the complete locus. P28 was used as the name of the protein because it accurately describes the molecular mass of an immunodominant protein which was determined before its gene was sequenced (Chen et al., 1994, Yu et al., 1993) and also because the p28 was used to describe its gene name when the first p28 gene was cloned and sequenced (Ohashi et al.,1998b).

[0093] Six p28 genes were expressed in cell culture under the particular conditions of the investigation among the 10 genes studied. The genes for which transcription were not detected by RT-PCR are possibly not silent genes either since all the genes were complete genes, i.e., no truncated form of the p28 genes was found. They may be expressed under other conditions. These results were consistent with previous data, which detected multiple bands from 22-29 kDa with a monoclonal antibody (Yu et al., 1993, 1999b). In contrast, a previous study detected only a single p28 gene transcribed in cell culture (Reddy et al.,1998). PCR primer specificity may have contributed to the failure of detection the transcription of multiple genes in the previous study. With the limitation of knowledge of the DNA sequences at that time, although primers were designed to attempt to amplify as many p28 genes as possible, the primer pair (R72 and R74) from the previous study was perfectly matched to only three of the 21 p28 genes (p28-16, -17, and -19). The previous study demonstrated that p28-19 (orf-5) was transcriptionally active and p28-16 and p28-17 were inactive transcriptionally. In the results herein. p28-17 was also transcriptionally inactive. The transcriptional activity of p28-16 and p28-19 was not analyzed. It was possible to detect transcriptional activity in more p28 genes herein because specific primers were used for each p28 gene.

[0094] The natural cycles of Ehrlichia involve a tick vector and mammalian hosts. Mammals are infected with Ehrlichia by the bite of infected ticks, and non-infected ticks acquire Ehrlichia by a blood meal from infected animals. Ehrlichia are not transovarially transmitted from one generation of ticks to the next (Rikihisa, 1991). Therefore, the mammalian hosts are essential for the maintenance of Ehrlichia in nature. Carrier animals serve as the reservoirs for Ehrlichia organisms (Swift and Thomas, 1983, Zaugg, et al., 1986). The persistent infection and carrier status indicate that Ehrlichia organisms have evolved one or more mechanisms to circumvent the host immune system. Some bacterial pathogens are endowed with sophisticated mechanisms to adapt to a rapidly changing microenviroment in the host. One such system is the reversible switching of the expression of the array of cell surface components exposed to the host defense system.

[0095] Homologous recombination of genes in multigene families has contributed to the persistent infection of Borrelia hermsii (Schwan and Hinnebusch, 1998) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Haas and Meyer, 1986). Homologous recombination of the p28 multigenes has been hypothesized (Reddy and Streck, 1999). However, no homologous recombination of p28 genes of Ehrlichia has yet been demonstrated. Homologous recombination was not observed in different passages of E. chaffeensis or E. canis, which have been passaged for several years. The DNA sequences of p28 genes published by different laboratories are identical despite the different passage histories (Ohashi et al., 1998b, Reddy et al., 1998, Yu et al., 1999b), suggesting a lack of recombination as a mechanism of generation of genetic diversity. Moreover, the DNA sequences of five p28 genes in a locus of E. canis Jake and Oklahoma isolates are identical despite the temporal and geographic separation of these isolates in nature. The genetic variation of the p28 gene among strains of E. chaffeensis is very likely caused by random mutation over a long period of evolution of the gene rather than by homologous recombination.

[0096] The p28 genes may be expressed differentially. Neither the E. chaffeensis nor the E. canis p28 multigenes are one polycistronic gene. Antigenically and structurally distinct msp-2 genes have been expressed in acute A. marginale rickettsemia in experimentally infected calf (Eid et al.,1996, French et al., 1999). Protein immunoblotting detected 2-4 proteins in cell culture with a monoclonal antibody to a P28 of E. chaffeensis (Yu et al., 1993, 1999b). Although several E. chaffeensis p28 genes are transcribed in cell culture, a clone of tick-inoculated E. chaffeensis may differentially and sequentially express the p28 multigene family in vivo to evade the host immune system. Different P28 proteins may have similar structure and function for E. chaffeensis, but different antigenicity. The hypervariable regions are predicted to contain antigenic epitopes which are surface exposed (Yu et al., 1999b). Thus, the P28s may be essential for immune escape.

[0097] It was demonstrated that only 40% of convalescent sera of monocytotropic ehrlichiosis patients had antibodies to a P28-19. Patient serum that reacted with the particular P28 of one strain of E. chaffeensis might not react with the protein in another strain in which the amino acid sequences of the hypervariable regions differ substantially (Chen et al., 1997, Yu et al., 1999c). The data suggest that the apparent antigenic variability of the P28 may be explained in part by differential expression of the p28 multigene family.

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[0137] Yu, et al., 1999c. Comparison of Ehrlichia chaffeensis recombinant proteins for diagnosis of human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis. J. Clin. Microbiol. 37, 2568-2575.

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[0139] Any patents or publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. These patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0140] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The present examples along with the methods, procedures, treatments, molecules, and specific compounds described herein are presently representative of preferred embodiments, are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims.

1 53 1 284 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-1 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 1 Met Ser Lys Arg Ser Asn Arg Lys Phe Val Leu Trp Val Met Leu 5 10 15 Ile Leu Phe Thr Pro His Ile Ser Leu Ala Ser Val Leu Asn Asp 20 25 30 His Asn Ser Met Tyr Val Gly Ile Gln Tyr Lys Pro Ala Arg Gln 35 40 45 His Leu Ser Lys Leu Leu Ile Lys Glu Ser Ala Ala Asn Thr Val 50 55 60 Glu Val Phe Gly Leu Lys Lys Asp Leu Leu Asn Asp Leu Leu Thr 65 70 75 Gly Ile Lys Asp Asn Thr Asn Phe Asn Ile Lys Tyr Asn Pro Tyr 80 85 90 Tyr Glu Asn Asn Arg Leu Gly Phe Ser Gly Ile Phe Gly Tyr Tyr 95 100 105 Tyr Asn Lys Asn Phe Arg Ile Glu Ser Glu Leu Ser Tyr Glu Thr 110 115 120 Phe His Ile Lys Asn Asn Gly Tyr Lys Arg Ile Asp Cys Glu Lys 125 130 135 His Phe Ala Leu Ala Lys Glu Ile Ser Gly Gly Ser Asn Asn Pro 140 145 150 Ala Asn Asn Lys Tyr Val Thr Leu Ile Asn Asn Gly Ile Ser Leu 155 160 165 Thr Ser Ala Leu Ile Asn Val Cys Tyr Asp Val Asp Gly Leu Lys 170 175 180 His Asn Ile Ile Thr Tyr Ser Cys Leu Gly Phe Gly Val Asp Thr 185 190 195 Ile Asp Phe Leu Ser Lys Tyr Thr Thr Lys Phe Ser Tyr Gln Gly 200 205 210 Lys Leu Gly Ala Ser Tyr Thr Val Ser Pro Gln Val Ser Val Phe 215 220 225 Ile Glu Gly Tyr Tyr His Gly Leu Phe Gly Lys Lys Phe Glu Lys 230 235 240 Ile Pro Val Asn Tyr Pro Cys Asp Tyr Pro Ser Pro Thr Pro Pro 245 250 255 Asn Ser Lys Pro His Val His Thr Thr Ala Leu Ala Met Leu Ser 260 265 270 Ile Gly Tyr Tyr Gly Gly Ser Ile Gly Ile Lys Phe Ile Leu 275 280 2 297 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-2 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 2 Met Ser Tyr Ala Lys Val Phe Ile Leu Ile Cys Leu Ile Leu Leu 5 10 15 Val Pro Ser Leu Ser Phe Ala Ile Val Asn Asn Asp Phe Leu Lys 20 25 30 Asp Asn Ile Gly His Phe Tyr Ile Gly Gly Gln Tyr Lys Pro Gly 35 40 45 Val Pro Arg Phe Asn Arg Phe Leu Val Thr Asn Asn Asn Ile Arg 50 55 60 Glu Leu Met Ser Ser Asp Glu Glu Cys Arg Ser Thr Ile Pro His 65 70 75 Met Val Gln Ser Val Ala Gln Gly Thr Leu Pro Pro Glu Ala Leu 80 85 90 Glu Glu Leu Ala Asp Gly Lys Phe Pro Glu Gly Tyr Leu Tyr Phe 95 100 105 Thr Ile Pro Tyr Asn Pro Thr Tyr Lys Lys Asn Leu Leu Gly Ala 110 115 120 Gly Gly Val Ile Gly Tyr Ser Thr Thr His Phe Arg Val Glu Val 125 130 135 Glu Ala Phe Tyr Asp Lys Phe Asn Leu Thr Ala Pro Ala Gly Tyr 140 145 150 Leu His Lys Asn Phe Tyr Glu Tyr Phe Ala Leu Ala Thr Thr Met 155 160 165 Asp Thr Lys His Pro His Gln Ser Ala Glu Asp Lys Tyr Tyr Tyr 170 175 180 Met Lys Asn Thr Gly Ile Thr Leu Ser Pro Phe Ile Ile Asn Ala 185 190 195 Cys Tyr Asp Phe Ile Leu Lys Lys Thr Arg Asn Val Ala Pro Tyr 200 205 210 Leu Cys Leu Gly Val Gly Gly Asn Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu Asp Gln 215 220 225 Val Ser Phe Lys Phe Ala Tyr Gln Ala Lys Val Gly Ile Ser Tyr 230 235 240 Phe Val Ser Pro Asn Ile Ala Phe Phe Ile Asp Gly Ser Phe His 245 250 255 Gly His Leu Asn Asn Gln Phe Ser Asp Ser Pro Val Val Asp Tyr 260 265 270 Ser Ser Ser Gly Phe Pro Thr Ile Ser Ala Lys Phe Asn Ala Asn 275 280 285 Phe Leu Thr Ser Ser Ile Gly Ile Arg Phe Ile Ser 290 295 3 285 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-3 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 3 Met Gln Lys Leu Tyr Ile Ser Phe Ile Ile Leu Ser Gly Leu Leu 5 10 15 Leu Pro Lys Tyr Val Phe Cys Met His Gln Asn Asn Asn Ile Asp 20 25 30 Gly Ser Tyr Val Thr Ile Lys Tyr Gln Leu Thr Thr Pro His Phe 35 40 45 Lys Asn Phe Tyr Ile Lys Glu Thr Asp Phe Asp Thr Gln Glu Pro 50 55 60 Ile Gly Leu Ala Lys Ile Thr Ala Asn Thr Lys Phe Asp Thr Leu 65 70 75 Lys Glu Asn Phe Ser Phe Ser Pro Leu His Gln Thr Asp Ser Tyr 80 85 90 Lys Ser Tyr Gln Asn Asp Leu Leu Gly Ile Gly Leu Ser Val Gly 95 100 105 Leu Phe Val Lys Ser Phe Arg Ile Glu Phe Glu Gly Ala Tyr Lys 110 115 120 Asn Phe Asn Thr Lys Arg Leu Ala Arg Tyr Lys Ser Lys Asp Gly 125 130 135 Tyr Lys Tyr Phe Ala Ile Pro Arg Lys Ser Glu His Gly Phe Leu 140 145 150 Asp Asn Thr Phe Gly Tyr Thr Val Ala Lys Asn Asn Gly Ile Ser 155 160 165 Ile Ile Ser Asn Ile Ile Asn Leu Cys Ser Glu Thr Lys Tyr Lys 170 175 180 Ser Phe Thr Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ile Gly Val Gly Gly Asp Phe Ile 185 190 195 Glu Ile Phe Asp Val Met Arg Ile Lys Phe Ala Tyr Gln Gly Lys 200 205 210 Val Gly Val Ser Tyr Pro Ile Thr Ser Lys Leu Ile Leu Ser Ile 215 220 225 Asn Gly Gln Tyr His Lys Val Ile Gly Asn Lys Phe Glu Leu Leu 230 235 240 Pro Val Tyr Gln Pro Val Glu Leu Lys Arg Leu Val Thr Asn Lys 245 250 255 Thr Ser Lys Asp Ile Asp Gln Asp Val Thr Ala Ser Leu Thr Leu 260 265 270 Asn Leu Glu His Phe Ser Ser Glu Ile Gly Leu Ser Phe Ile Phe 275 280 285 4 272 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-4 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 4 Met Tyr Met Tyr Asn Lys Lys His Tyr Cys Tyr Ile Val Thr Tyr 5 10 15 Val Ile Thr Leu Phe Phe Leu Leu Leu Pro Ile Glu Ser Leu Ser 20 25 30 Ala Leu Ile Gly Asn Val Glu Lys Asp Leu Lys Val Ser Ser Thr 35 40 45 Tyr Val Ser Ser Gln Tyr Lys Pro Ser Ile Phe His Phe Arg Asn 50 55 60 Phe Ser Ile Gln Glu Ser His Pro Lys Lys Ser Ser Glu Glu Phe 65 70 75 Lys Lys Ile Lys Ala Asn Leu Asn Asn Ile Leu Lys Ser Asn Ala 80 85 90 Tyr Asn Leu Gln Phe Gln Asp Asn Thr Thr Ser Phe Ser Gly Thr 95 100 105 Ile Gly Tyr Phe Ser Lys Gly Leu Arg Leu Glu Ala Glu Gly Cys 110 115 120 Tyr Gln Glu Phe Asn Val Lys Asn Ser Asn Asn Ser Leu Ile Ile 125 130 135 Ser Ser Asn Lys Tyr His Ser Arg Ile His Asp Glu Asn Tyr Ala 140 145 150 Ile Thr Thr Asn Asn Lys Leu Ser Ile Ala Ser Ile Met Val Asn 155 160 165 Thr Cys Tyr Asp Ile Ser Ile Asn Asn Thr Ser Ile Val Pro Tyr 170 175 180 Leu Cys Thr Gly Ile Gly Glu Asp Leu Val Gly Leu Phe Asn Thr 185 190 195 Ile His Phe Lys Leu Ala Tyr Gln Gly Lys Val Gly Met Ser Tyr 200 205 210 Leu Ile Asn Asn Asn Ile Leu Leu Phe Ser Asp Ile Tyr Tyr His 215 220 225 Lys Val Met Gly Asn Arg Phe Lys Asn Leu Tyr Met Gln Tyr Val 230 235 240 Ala Asp Pro Asn Ile Ser Glu Glu Thr Ile Pro Ile Leu Ala Lys 245 250 255 Leu Asp Ile Gly Tyr Phe Gly Ser Glu Ile Gly Ile Arg Phe Met 260 265 270 Phe Asn 5 295 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-5 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 5 Met Thr Lys Lys Phe Asn Phe Val Asn Val Ile Leu Thr Phe Leu 5 10 15 Leu Phe Leu Phe Pro Leu Lys Ser Phe Thr Thr Tyr Ala Asn Asn 20 25 30 Asn Thr Ile Thr Gln Lys Val Gly Leu Tyr Ile Ser Gly Gln Tyr 35 40 45 Lys Pro Ser Ile Pro His Phe Lys Asn Phe Ser Val Glu Glu Asn 50 55 60 Asp Lys Val Val Asp Leu Ile Gly Leu Thr Thr Asp Val Thr Tyr 65 70 75 Ile Thr Glu His Ile Leu Arg Asp Asn Thr Lys Phe Asn Thr His 80 85 90 Tyr Ile Ala Lys Phe Lys Asn Asn Phe Ile Asn Phe Ser Ser Ala 95 100 105 Ile Gly Tyr Tyr Ser Gly Gln Gly Pro Arg Leu Glu Ile Glu Ser 110 115 120 Ser Tyr Gly Asp Phe Asp Val Val Asn Tyr Lys Asn Tyr Ala Val 125 130 135 Gln Asp Val Asn Arg Tyr Phe Ala Leu Val Arg Glu Lys Asn Gly 140 145 150 Ser Asn Phe Ser Pro Lys Pro His Glu Thr Ser Gln Pro Ser Asp 155 160 165 Ser Asn Pro Lys Lys Ser Phe Tyr Thr Leu Met Lys Asn Asn Gly 170 175 180 Val Phe Val Ala Ser Val Ile Ile Asn Gly Cys Tyr Asp Phe Ser 185 190 195 Phe Asn Asn Thr Thr Ile Ser Pro Tyr Val Cys Ile Gly Val Gly 200 205 210 Gly Asp Phe Ile Glu Phe Phe Glu Val Met His Ile Lys Phe Ala 215 220 225 Cys Gln Ser Lys Val Gly Ile Ser Tyr Pro Ile Ser Pro Ser Ile 230 235 240 Thr Ile Phe Ala Asp Ala His Tyr His Lys Val Ile Asn Asn Lys 245 250 255 Phe Asn Asn Leu His Val Lys Tyr Ser Tyr Glu Leu Lys Asn Ser 260 265 270 Pro Thr Ile Thr Ser Ala Thr Ala Lys Leu Asn Ile Glu Tyr Phe 275 280 285 Gly Gly Glu Val Gly Met Arg Phe Ile Phe 290 295 6 279 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-6 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 6 Met Ser Lys Lys Lys Phe Ile Thr Ile Gly Thr Val Leu Ala Ser 5 10 15 Leu Leu Ser Phe Leu Ser Ile Glu Ser Phe Ser Ala Ile Asn His 20 25 30 Asn His Thr Gly Asn Asn Thr Ser Gly Ile Tyr Ile Thr Gly Gln 35 40 45 Tyr Arg Pro Gly Val Ser His Phe Ser Asn Phe Ser Val Lys Glu 50 55 60 Thr Asn Val Asp Thr Ile Gln Leu Val Gly Tyr Lys Lys Ser Ala 65 70 75 Ser Ser Ile Asp Pro Asn Thr Tyr Ser Asn Phe Gln Gly Pro Tyr 80 85 90 Thr Val Thr Phe Gln Asp Asn Ala Ala Ser Phe Ser Gly Ala Ile 95 100 105 Gly Tyr Ser Tyr Pro Glu Ser Leu Arg Leu Glu Leu Glu Gly Ser 110 115 120 Tyr Glu Lys Phe Asp Val Lys Asp Pro Lys Asp Tyr Ser Ala Lys 125 130 135 Asp Ala Phe Arg Phe Phe Ala Leu Ala Arg Asn Thr Ser Thr Thr 140 145 150 Val Pro Asp Ala Gln Lys Tyr Thr Val Met Lys Asn Asn Gly Leu 155 160 165 Ser Val Ala Ser Ile Met Ile Asn Gly Cys Tyr Asp Leu Ser Phe 170 175 180 Asn Asn Leu Val Val Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala Gly Ile Gly Glu 185 190 195 Asp Phe Ile Glu Phe Phe Asp Thr Leu His Ile Lys Leu Ala Tyr 200 205 210 Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Ile Ser Tyr Tyr Phe Phe Pro Lys Ile Asn 215 220 225 Val Phe Ala Gly Gly Tyr Tyr His Arg Val Ile Gly Asn Lys Phe 230 235 240 Lys Asn Leu Asn Val Asn His Val Val Thr Pro Asp Glu Phe Pro 245 250 255 Lys Ala Thr Ser Ala Val Ala Thr Leu Asn Val Ala Tyr Phe Gly 260 265 270 Gly Glu Ala Gly Val Lys Phe Thr Phe 275 7 283 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-7 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 7 Met Ser Ala Lys Lys Lys Leu Phe Ile Ile Gly Ser Val Leu Val 5 10 15 Cys Leu Val Ser Tyr Leu Pro Thr Lys Ser Leu Ser Asn Leu Asn 20 25 30 Asn Ile Asn Asn Asn Thr Lys Cys Thr Gly Leu Tyr Val Ser Gly 35 40 45 Gln Tyr Lys Pro Thr Val Ser His Phe Ser Asn Phe Ser Leu Lys 50 55 60 Glu Thr Tyr Thr Asp Thr Lys Glu Leu Leu Gly Leu Ala Lys Asp 65 70 75 Ile Lys Ser Ile Thr Asp Ile Thr Thr Asn Lys Lys Phe Asn Ile 80 85 90 Pro Tyr Asn Thr Lys Phe Gln Asp Asn Ala Val Ser Phe Ser Ala 95 100 105 Ala Val Gly Tyr Ile Ser Gln Asp Ser Pro Arg Val Glu Val Glu 110 115 120 Trp Ser Tyr Glu Glu Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Pro Gly Asn Tyr Val 125 130 135 Val Ser Glu Ala Phe Arg Tyr Ile Ala Leu Ala Arg Gly Ile Asp 140 145 150 Asn Leu Gln Lys Tyr Pro Glu Thr Asn Lys Tyr Val Val Ile Lys 155 160 165 Asn Asn Gly Leu Ser Val Ala Ser Ile Ile Ile Asn Gly Cys Tyr 170 175 180 Asp Phe Ser Leu Asn Asn Leu Lys Val Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Val 185 190 195 Gly Phe Gly Gly Asp Ile Ile Glu Phe Phe Ser Ala Val Ser Phe 200 205 210 Lys Phe Ala Tyr Gln Gly Lys Val Gly Ile Ser Tyr Pro Leu Phe 215 220 225 Ser Asn Met Ile Ile Phe Ala Asp Gly Tyr Tyr His Lys Val Ile 230 235 240 Gly Asn Lys Phe Asn Asn Leu Asn Val Gln His Val Val Ser Leu 245 250 255 Asn Ser His Pro Lys Ser Thr Phe Ala Val Ala Thr Leu Asn Val 260 265 270 Glu Tyr Phe Gly Ser Glu Phe Gly Leu Lys Phe Ile Phe 275 280 8 275 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-8 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 8 Met Ser Lys Lys Asn Phe Ile Thr Ile Gly Ala Thr Leu Ile His 5 10 15 Met Leu Leu Pro Asn Ile Ser Phe Pro Glu Thr Ile Asn Asn Asn 20 25 30 Thr Asp Lys Leu Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ile Ser Gly Gln Tyr Lys Pro 35 40 45 Gly Ile Ser His Phe Ser Lys Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Ile Tyr Asn 50 55 60 Asp Asn Ile Gln Leu Ile Gly Leu Arg His Asn Ala Ile Ser Thr 65 70 75 Ser Thr Leu Asn Ile Asn Thr Asp Phe Asn Ile Pro Tyr Lys Val 80 85 90 Thr Phe Gln Asn Asn Ile Thr Ser Phe Ser Gly Ala Ile Gly Tyr 95 100 105 Ser Asp Pro Thr Gly Ala Arg Phe Glu Leu Glu Gly Ser Tyr Glu 110 115 120 Glu Phe Asp Val Thr Asp Pro Gly Asp Cys Leu Ile Lys Asp Thr 125 130 135 Tyr Arg Tyr Phe Ala Leu Ala Arg Asn Pro Ser Gly Ser Ser Pro 140 145 150 Thr Ser Asn Asn Tyr Thr Val Met Arg Asn Asp Gly Val Ser Ile 155 160 165 Thr Ser Val Ile Phe Asn Gly Cys Tyr Asp Ile Phe Leu Lys Asp 170 175 180 Leu Glu Val Ser Pro Tyr Val Cys Val Gly Val Gly Gly Asp Phe 185 190 195 Ile Glu Phe Phe Asp Ala Leu His Ile Lys Leu Ala Tyr Gln Gly 200 205 210 Lys Leu Gly Ile Asn Tyr His Leu Ser Thr Gln Ala Ser Val Phe 215 220 225 Ile Asp Gly Tyr Tyr His Lys Val Ile Gly Asn Gln Phe Asn Asn 230 235 240 Leu Asn Val Gln His Val Ala Ser Thr Asp Phe Gly Pro Val Tyr 245 250 255 Ala Val Ala Thr Leu Asn Ile Gly Tyr Phe Gly Gly Glu Ile Gly 260 265 270 Ile Arg Leu Thr Phe 275 9 285 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-9 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 9 Met Asn Asn Arg Lys Ser Phe Phe Ile Ile Gly Ala Ser Leu Leu 5 10 15 Ala Ser Leu Leu Phe Thr Ser Glu Ala Ser Ser Thr Gly Asn Val 20 25 30 Ser Asn His Thr Tyr Phe Lys Pro Arg Leu Tyr Ile Ser Gly Gln 35 40 45 Tyr Arg Pro Gly Val Ser His Phe Ser Lys Phe Ser Val Lys Glu 50 55 60 Thr Asn Tyr Asn Thr Thr Gln Leu Val Gly Leu Lys Lys Asp Ile 65 70 75 Ser Val Ile Gly Asn Ser Asn Ile Thr Thr Tyr Thr Asn Phe Asn 80 85 90 Phe Pro Tyr Ile Ala Glu Phe Gln Asp Asn Ala Ile Ser Phe Ser 95 100 105 Gly Ala Ile Gly Tyr Leu Tyr Ser Glu Asn Phe Arg Ile Glu Val 110 115 120 Glu Ala Ser Tyr Glu Glu Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Pro Glu Gly Ser 125 130 135 Ala Thr Asp Ala Tyr Arg Tyr Phe Ala Leu Ala Arg Ala Met Asp 140 145 150 Gly Thr Asn Lys Ser Ser Pro Asp Asp Thr Arg Lys Phe Thr Val 155 160 165 Met Arg Asn Asp Gly Leu Ser Ile Ser Ser Val Met Ile Asn Gly 170 175 180 Cys Tyr Asn Phe Thr Leu Asp Asp Ile Pro Val Val Pro Tyr Val 185 190 195 Cys Ala Gly Ile Gly Gly Asp Phe Ile Glu Phe Phe Asn Asp Leu 200 205 210 His Val Lys Phe Ala His Gln Gly Lys Val Gly Ile Ser Tyr Ser 215 220 225 Ile Ser Pro Glu Val Ser Leu Phe Leu Asn Gly Tyr Tyr His Lys 230 235 240 Val Thr Gly Asn Arg Phe Lys Asn Leu His Val Gln His Val Ser 245 250 255 Asp Leu Ser Asp Ala Pro Lys Phe Thr Ser Ala Val Ala Thr Leu 260 265 270 Asn Val Gly Tyr Phe Gly Gly Glu Ile Gly Val Arg Phe Ile Phe 275 280 285 10 291 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-10 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 10 Met Asn Lys Lys Asn Lys Phe Ile Ile Ala Thr Ala Leu Val Tyr 5 10 15 Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Ser Val Ser Phe Ser Glu Val Thr Asn Ser 20 25 30 Ser Ile Lys Lys His Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ile Ser Gly Gln Tyr Lys 35 40 45 Pro Ser Val Ser Val Phe Ser Ser Phe Ser Ile Lys Glu Thr Asn 50 55 60 Thr Ile Thr Lys Ile Leu Ile Ala Leu Lys Lys Asp Ile Asn Ser 65 70 75 Leu Glu Val Asn Ala Asp Ala Ser Gln Gly Ile Ser His Pro Gly 80 85 90 Asn Phe Thr Ile Pro Tyr Ile Ala Ala Phe Glu Asp Asn Ala Phe 95 100 105 Asn Phe Asn Gly Ala Ile Gly Tyr Ile Thr Glu Gly Leu Arg Ile 110 115 120 Glu Ile Glu Gly Ser Tyr Glu Glu Phe Asp Ala Lys Asn Pro Gly 125 130 135 Gly Tyr Gly Leu Asn Asp Ala Phe Arg Tyr Phe Ala Leu Ala Arg 140 145 150 Asp Met Glu Ser Asn Lys Phe Gln Pro Lys Ala Gln Ser Ser Gln 155 160 165 Lys Val Phe His Thr Val Met Lys Ser Asp Gly Leu Ser Ile Ile 170 175 180 Ser Ile Met Gly Asn Gly Trp Tyr Asp Phe Ser Ser Asp Asn Leu 185 190 195 Leu Val Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Gly Gly Ile Gly Val Asp Ala Ile 200 205 210 Glu Phe Phe Asp Ala Leu His Ile Lys Leu Ala Cys Pro Ser Lys 215 220 225 Leu Gly Ile Thr Tyr Gln Leu Ser Tyr Asn Ile Ser Leu Phe Ala 230 235 240 Val Gly Phe Tyr His Gln Val Ile Gly Asn Gln Phe Arg Asn Leu 245 250 255 Asn Val Gln His Val Ala Glu Leu Asn Asp Ala Pro Lys Val Thr 260 265 270 Ser Ala Val Ala Thr Leu Asn Val Gly Tyr Phe Gly Ala Glu Val 275 280 285 Gly Val Arg Phe Ile Phe 290 11 298 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-11 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 11 Met Asn His Lys Ser Met Leu Phe Thr Ile Gly Thr Ala Leu Ile 5 10 15 Ser Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Asn Val Ser Phe Ser Gly Ile Ile Asn 20 25 30 Asn Asn Ala Asn Asn Leu Gly Ile Tyr Ile Ser Gly Gln Tyr Lys 35 40 45 Pro Ser Val Ser Val Phe Ser Asn Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Thr Asn 50 55 60 Phe Thr Thr Gln Gln Leu Val Ala Leu Lys Lys Asp Ile Asp Ser 65 70 75 Val Asp Ile Ser Thr Asn Ala Asp Ser Gly Ile Asn Asn Pro Gln 80 85 90 Asn Phe Thr Ile Pro Tyr Ile Pro Lys Phe Gln Asp Asn Ala Ala 95 100 105 Ser Phe Ser Gly Ala Leu Gly Phe Phe Tyr Ala Arg Gly Leu Arg 110 115 120 Leu Glu Met Glu Gly Ser Tyr Glu Glu Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Pro 125 130 135 Gly Gly Tyr Thr Lys Val Lys Asp Ala Tyr Arg Tyr Phe Ala Leu 140 145 150 Ala Arg Glu Met Gln Ser Gly Gln Thr Cys Pro Lys His Lys Glu 155 160 165 Thr Ser Gly Ile Gln Pro His Gly Ile Tyr His Thr Val Met Arg 170 175 180 Asn Asp Gly Val Ser Ile Ser Ser Val Ile Ile Asn Gly Cys Tyr 185 190 195 Asn Phe Thr Leu Ser Asn Leu Pro Ile Ser Pro Tyr Met Cys Val 200 205 210 Gly Met Gly Ile Asp Ala Ile Gln Phe Phe Asp Ser Leu His Ile 215 220 225 Lys Phe Ala His Gln Ser Lys Leu Gly Ile Thr Tyr Pro Leu Ser 230 235 240 Ser Asn Val His Leu Phe Ala Asp Ser Tyr Tyr His Lys Val Ile 245 250 255 Gly Asn Lys Phe Lys Asn Leu Arg Val Gln His Val Tyr Glu Leu 260 265 270 Gln Gln Val Pro Lys Val Thr Ser Ala Val Ala Thr Leu Asp Ile 275 280 285 Gly Tyr Phe Gly Gly Glu Val Gly Val Arg Phe Ile Leu 290 295 12 300 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-12 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 12 Met Lys Lys Lys Asn Gln Phe Ile Thr Ile Ser Thr Ile Leu Val 5 10 15 Cys Leu Leu Ser Leu Ser Asn Ala Ser Leu Ser Asn Thr Thr Asn 20 25 30 Ser Ser Thr Lys Lys Gln Phe Gly Leu Tyr Val Ser Gly Gln Tyr 35 40 45 Lys Pro Ser Val Ser Ile Phe Ser Asn Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Thr 50 55 60 Asn Phe Pro Thr Lys Tyr Leu Ala Ala Leu Lys Lys Asp Ile Asn 65 70 75 Ser Val Glu Phe Asp Asp Ser Val Thr Ala Gly Ile Ser Tyr Pro 80 85 90 Leu Asn Phe Ser Thr Pro Tyr Ile Ala Val Phe Gln Asp Asn Ile 95 100 105 Ser Asn Phe Asn Gly Ala Ile Gly Tyr Thr Phe Val Glu Gly Pro 110 115 120 Arg Ile Glu Ile Glu Gly Ser Tyr Glu Glu Phe Asp Val Lys Asp 125 130 135 Pro Gly Arg Tyr Thr Glu Ile Gln Asp Ala Tyr Arg Tyr Phe Ala 140 145 150 Leu Ala Arg Asp Ile Asp Ser Ile Pro Thr Ser Pro Lys Asn Arg 155 160 165 Thr Ser His Asp Gly Asn Ser Ser Tyr Lys Val Tyr His Thr Val 170 175 180 Met Lys Asn Glu Gly Leu Ser Ile Ile Ser Ile Met Val Asn Gly 185 190 195 Cys Tyr Asp Phe Ser Ser Asp Asn Leu Ser Ile Leu Pro Tyr Val 200 205 210 Cys Gly Gly Ile Gly Val Asn Ala Ile Glu Phe Phe Asp Ala Leu 215 220 225 His Val Lys Phe Ala Cys Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Ile Thr Tyr Pro 230 235 240 Leu Ser Ser Asn Val Ser Leu Phe Ala Gly Gly Tyr Tyr His Gln 245 250 255 Val Met Gly Asn Gln Phe Lys Asn Leu Asn Val Gln His Val Ala 260 265 270 Glu Leu Asn Asp Ala Pro Lys Val Thr Ser Ala Val Ala Thr Leu 275 280 285 Asp Ile Gly Tyr Phe Gly Gly Glu Ile Gly Ala Arg Leu Ile Phe 290 295 300 13 293 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-13 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 13 Met Asn Lys Lys Asn Lys Phe Phe Thr Ile Ser Thr Ala Met Val 5 10 15 Cys Leu Leu Leu Leu Pro Gly Ile Ser Phe Ser Glu Thr Ile Asn 20 25 30 Asn Ser Ala Lys Lys Gln Pro Gly Leu Tyr Ile Ser Gly Gln Tyr 35 40 45 Lys Pro Ser Val Ser Val Phe Ser Asn Phe Ser Val Lys Glu Thr 50 55 60 Asn Val Pro Thr Lys Gln Leu Ile Ala Leu Lys Lys Asp Ile Asn 65 70 75 Ser Val Ala Val Gly Ser Asn Ala Thr Thr Gly Ile Ser Asn Pro 80 85 90 Gly Asn Phe Thr Ile Pro Tyr Thr Ala Glu Phe Gln Asp Asn Val 95 100 105 Ala Asn Phe Asn Gly Ala Val Gly Tyr Ser Phe Pro Asp Ser Leu 110 115 120 Arg Ile Glu Ile Glu Gly Phe His Glu Lys Phe Asp Val Lys Asn 125 130 135 Pro Gly Gly Tyr Thr Gln Val Lys Asp Ala Tyr Arg Tyr Phe Ala 140 145 150 Leu Ala Arg Asp Leu Lys Asp Gly Phe Phe Glu Pro Lys Ala Glu 155 160 165 Asp Thr Gly Val Tyr His Thr Val Met Lys Asn Asp Gly Leu Ser 170 175 180 Ile Leu Ser Thr Met Val Asn Val Cys Tyr Asp Phe Ser Val Asp 185 190 195 Glu Leu Pro Val Leu Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala Gly Met Gly Ile Asn 200 205 210 Ala Ile Glu Phe Phe Asp Ala Leu His Val Lys Phe Ala Tyr Gln 215 220 225 Gly Lys Leu Gly Ile Ser Tyr Gln Leu Phe Thr Lys Val Asn Leu 230 235 240 Phe Leu Asp Gly Tyr Tyr His Gln Val Ile Gly Asn Gln Phe Lys 245 250 255 Asn Leu Asn Val Asn His Val Tyr Thr Leu Lys Glu Ser Pro Lys 260 265 270 Val Thr Ser Ala Val Ala Thr Leu Asp Ile Ala Tyr Phe Gly Gly 275 280 285 Glu Val Gly Ile Arg Phe Thr Phe 290 14 283 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-14 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 14 Met Asn Tyr Lys Lys Ile Phe Val Ser Ser Ala Leu Ile Ser Leu 5 10 15 Met Ser Ile Leu Pro Tyr Gln Ser Phe Ala Asp Pro Val Thr Ser 20 25 30 Asn Asp Thr Gly Ile Asn Asp Ser Arg Glu Gly Phe Tyr Ile Ser 35 40 45 Val Lys Tyr Asn Pro Ser Ile Ser His Phe Arg Lys Phe Ser Ala 50 55 60 Glu Glu Ala Pro Ile Asn Gly Asn Thr Ser Ile Thr Lys Lys Val 65 70 75 Phe Gly Leu Lys Lys Asp Gly Asp Ile Ala Gln Ser Ala Asn Phe 80 85 90 Asn Arg Thr Asp Pro Ala Leu Glu Phe Gln Asn Asn Leu Ile Ser 95 100 105 Gly Phe Ser Gly Ser Ile Gly Tyr Ala Met Asp Gly Pro Arg Ile 110 115 120 Glu Leu Glu Ala Ala Tyr Gln Lys Phe Asp Ala Lys Asn Pro Asp 125 130 135 Asn Asn Asp Thr Asn Ser Gly Asp Tyr Tyr Lys Tyr Phe Gly Leu 140 145 150 Ser Arg Glu Asp Ala Ile Ala Asp Lys Lys Tyr Val Val Leu Lys 155 160 165 Asn Glu Gly Ile Thr Phe Met Ser Leu Met Val Asn Thr Cys Tyr 170 175 180 Asp Ile Thr Ala Glu Gly Val Pro Phe Ile Pro Tyr Ala Cys Ala 185 190 195 Gly Val Gly Ala Asp Leu Ile Asn Val Phe Lys Asp Phe Asn Leu 200 205 210 Lys Phe Ser Tyr Gln Gly Lys Ile Gly Ile Ser Tyr Pro Ile Thr 215 220 225 Pro Glu Val Ser Ala Phe Ile Gly Gly Tyr Tyr His Gly Val Ile 230 235 240 Gly Asn Asn Phe Asn Lys Ile Pro Val Ile Thr Pro Val Val Leu 245 250 255 Glu Gly Ala Pro Gln Thr Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Thr Ile Asp Thr 260 265 270 Gly Tyr Phe Gly Gly Glu Val Gly Val Arg Phe Thr Phe 275 280 15 280 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-15 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 15 Met Asn Cys Lys Lys Phe Phe Ile Thr Thr Ala Leu Ala Leu Pro 5 10 15 Met Ser Phe Leu Pro Gly Ile Leu Leu Ser Glu Pro Val Gln Asp 20 25 30 Asp Ser Val Ser Gly Asn Phe Tyr Ile Ser Gly Lys Tyr Met Pro 35 40 45 Ser Ala Ser His Phe Gly Val Phe Ser Ala Lys Glu Glu Lys Asn 50 55 60 Pro Thr Val Ala Leu Tyr Gly Leu Lys Gln Asp Trp Asn Gly Val 65 70 75 Ser Ala Ser Ser His Ala Asp Ala Asp Phe Asn Asn Lys Gly Tyr 80 85 90 Ser Phe Lys Tyr Glu Asn Asn Pro Phe Leu Gly Phe Ala Gly Ala 95 100 105 Ile Gly Tyr Ser Met Gly Gly Pro Arg Ile Glu Phe Glu Val Ser 110 115 120 Tyr Glu Thr Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Gln Gly Gly Asn Tyr Lys Asn 125 130 135 Asp Ala His Arg Tyr Cys Ala Leu Asp Arg Lys Ala Ser Ser Thr 140 145 150 Asn Ala Thr Ala Ser His Tyr Val Leu Leu Lys Asn Glu Gly Leu 155 160 165 Leu Asp Ile Ser Leu Met Leu Asn Ala Cys Tyr Asp Val Val Ser 170 175 180 Glu Gly Ile Pro Phe Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala Gly Val Gly Thr 185 190 195 Asp Leu Ile Ser Met Phe Glu Ala Ile Asn Pro Lys Ile Ser Tyr 200 205 210 Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Leu Ser Tyr Ser Ile Asn Pro Glu Ala Ser 215 220 225 Val Phe Val Gly Gly His Phe His Lys Val Ala Gly Asn Glu Phe 230 235 240 Arg Asp Ile Ser Thr Leu Lys Ala Phe Ala Thr Pro Ser Ser Ala 245 250 255 Ala Thr Pro Asp Leu Ala Thr Val Thr Leu Ser Val Cys His Phe 260 265 270 Gly Val Glu Leu Gly Gly Arg Phe Asn Phe 275 280 16 286 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-16 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 16 Met Asn Cys Glu Lys Phe Phe Ile Thr Thr Ala Leu Thr Leu Leu 5 10 15 Met Ser Phe Leu Pro Gly Ile Ser Leu Ser Asp Pro Val Gln Asp 20 25 30 Asp Asn Ile Ser Gly Asn Phe Tyr Ile Ser Gly Lys Tyr Met Pro 35 40 45 Ser Ala Ser His Phe Gly Val Phe Ser Ala Lys Glu Glu Arg Asn 50 55 60 Thr Thr Val Gly Val Phe Gly Ile Glu Gln Asp Trp Asp Arg Cys 65 70 75 Val Ile Ser Arg Thr Thr Leu Ser Asp Ile Phe Thr Val Pro Asn 80 85 90 Tyr Ser Phe Lys Tyr Glu Asn Asn Leu Phe Ser Gly Phe Ala Gly 95 100 105 Ala Ile Gly Tyr Ser Met Asp Gly Pro Arg Ile Glu Leu Glu Val 110 115 120 Ser Tyr Glu Ala Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Gln Gly Asn Asn Tyr Lys 125 130 135 Asn Glu Ala His Arg Tyr Tyr Ala Leu Ser His Leu Leu Gly Thr 140 145 150 Glu Thr Gln Ile Asp Gly Ala Gly Ser Ala Ser Val Phe Leu Ile 155 160 165 Asn Glu Gly Leu Leu Asp Lys Ser Phe Met Leu Asn Ala Cys Tyr 170 175 180 Asp Val Ile Ser Glu Gly Ile Pro Phe Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala 185 190 195 Gly Ile Gly Ile Asp Leu Val Ser Met Phe Glu Ala Ile Asn Pro 200 205 210 Lys Ile Ser Tyr Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Leu Ser Tyr Pro Ile Ser 215 220 225 Pro Glu Ala Ser Val Phe Ile Gly Gly His Phe His Lys Val Ile 230 235 240 Gly Asn Glu Phe Arg Asp Ile Pro Thr Met Ile Pro Ser Glu Ser 245 250 255 Ala Leu Ala Gly Lys Gly Asn Tyr Pro Ala Ile Val Thr Leu Asp 260 265 270 Val Phe Tyr Phe Gly Ile Glu Leu Gly Gly Arg Phe Asn Phe Gln 275 280 285 Leu 17 278 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-17 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 17 Met Asn Cys Lys Lys Phe Phe Ile Thr Thr Ala Leu Val Ser Leu 5 10 15 Met Ser Phe Leu Pro Gly Ile Ser Phe Ser Asp Pro Val Gln Gly 20 25 30 Asp Asn Ile Ser Gly Asn Phe Tyr Val Ser Gly Lys Tyr Met Pro 35 40 45 Ser Ala Ser His Phe Gly Met Phe Ser Ala Lys Glu Glu Lys Asn 50 55 60 Pro Thr Val Ala Leu Tyr Gly Leu Lys Gln Asp Trp Glu Gly Ile 65 70 75 Ser Ser Ser Ser His Asn Asp Asn His Phe Asn Asn Lys Gly Tyr 80 85 90 Ser Phe Lys Tyr Glu Asn Asn Pro Phe Leu Gly Phe Ala Gly Ala 95 100 105 Ile Gly Tyr Ser Met Gly Gly Pro Arg Val Glu Phe Glu Val Ser 110 115 120 Tyr Glu Thr Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Gln Gly Asn Asn Tyr Lys Asn 125 130 135 Asp Ala His Arg Tyr Cys Ala Leu Gly Gln Gln Asp Asn Ser Gly 140 145 150 Ile Pro Lys Thr Ser Lys Tyr Val Leu Leu Lys Ser Glu Gly Leu 155 160 165 Leu Asp Ile Ser Phe Met Leu Asn Ala Cys Tyr Asp Ile Ile Asn 170 175 180 Glu Ser Ile Pro Leu Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala Gly Val Gly Thr 185 190 195 Asp Leu Ile Ser Met Phe Glu Ala Thr Asn Pro Lys Ile Ser Tyr 200 205 210 Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Leu Ser Tyr Ser Ile Asn Pro Glu Ala Ser 215 220 225 Val Phe Ile Gly Gly His Phe His Lys Val Ile Gly Asn Glu Phe 230 235 240 Arg Asp Ile Pro Thr Leu Lys Ala Phe Val Thr Ser Ser Ala Thr 245 250 255 Pro Asp Leu Ala Ile Val Thr Leu Ser Val Cys His Phe Gly Ile 260 265 270 Glu Leu Gly Gly Arg Phe Asn Phe 275 18 280 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-18 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 18 Met Asn Cys Lys Lys Phe Phe Ile Thr Thr Thr Leu Val Ser Leu 5 10 15 Met Ser Phe Leu Pro Gly Ile Ser Phe Ser Asp Ala Val Gln Asn 20 25 30 Asp Asn Val Gly Gly Asn Phe Tyr Ile Ser Gly Lys Tyr Val Pro 35 40 45 Ser Val Ser His Phe Gly Val Phe Ser Ala Lys Gln Glu Arg Asn 50 55 60 Thr Thr Ile Gly Val Phe Gly Leu Lys Gln Asp Trp Asp Gly Ser 65 70 75 Thr Ile Ser Lys Asn Ser Pro Glu Asn Thr Phe Asn Val Pro Asn 80 85 90 Tyr Ser Phe Lys Tyr Glu Asn Asn Pro Phe Leu Gly Phe Ala Gly 95 100 105 Ala Val Gly Tyr Leu Met Asn Gly Pro Arg Ile Glu Leu Glu Met 110 115 120 Ser Tyr Glu Thr Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Gln Gly Asn Asn Tyr Lys 125 130 135 Asn Asp Ala His Lys Tyr Tyr Ala Leu Thr His Asn Ser Gly Gly 140 145 150 Lys Leu Ser Asn Ala Gly Asp Lys Phe Val Phe Leu Lys Asn Glu 155 160 165 Gly Leu Leu Asp Ile Ser Leu Met Leu Asn Ala Cys Tyr Asp Val 170 175 180 Ile Ser Glu Gly Ile Pro Phe Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala Gly Val 185 190 195 Gly Thr Asp Leu Ile Ser Met Phe Glu Ala Ile Asn Pro Lys Ile 200 205 210 Ser Tyr Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Leu Ser Tyr Ser Ile Ser Pro Glu 215 220 225 Ala Ser Val Phe Val Gly Gly His Phe His Lys Val Ile Gly Asn 230 235 240 Glu Phe Arg Asp Ile Pro Ala Met Ile Pro Ser Thr Ser Thr Leu 245 250 255 Thr Gly Asn His Phe Thr Ile Val Thr Leu Ser Val Cys His Phe 260 265 270 Gly Val Glu Leu Gly Gly Arg Phe Asn Phe 275 280 19 281 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-19 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 19 Met Asn Tyr Lys Lys Val Phe Ile Thr Ser Ala Leu Ile Ser Leu 5 10 15 Ile Ser Ser Leu Pro Gly Val Ser Phe Ser Asp Pro Ala Gly Ser 20 25 30 Gly Ile Asn Gly Asn Phe Tyr Ile Ser Gly Lys Tyr Met Pro Ser 35 40 45 Ala Ser His Phe Gly Val Phe Ser Ala Lys Glu Glu Arg Asn Thr 50 55 60 Thr Val Gly Val Phe Gly Leu Lys Gln Asn Trp Asp Gly Ser Ala 65 70 75 Ile Ser Asn Ser Ser Pro Asn Asp Val Phe Thr Val Ser Asn Tyr 80 85 90 Ser Phe Lys Tyr Glu Asn Asn Pro Phe Leu Gly Phe Ala Gly Ala 95 100 105 Ile Gly Tyr Ser Met Asp Gly Pro Arg Ile Glu Leu Glu Val Ser 110 115 120 Tyr Glu Thr Phe Asp Val Lys Asn Gln Gly Asn Asn Tyr Lys Asn 125 130 135 Glu Ala His Arg Tyr Cys Ala Leu Ser His Asn Ser Ala Ala Asp 140 145 150 Met Ser Ser Ala Ser Asn Asn Phe Val Phe Leu Lys Asn Glu Gly 155 160 165 Leu Leu Asp Ile Ser Phe Met Leu Asn Ala Cys Tyr Asp Val Val 170 175 180 Gly Glu Gly Ile Pro Phe Ser Pro Tyr Ile Cys Ala Gly Ile Gly 185 190 195 Thr Asp Leu Val Ser Met Phe Glu Ala Thr Asn Pro Lys Ile Ser 200 205 210 Tyr Gln Gly Lys Leu Gly Leu Ser Tyr Ser Ile Ser Pro Glu Ala 215 220 225 Ser Val Phe Ile Gly Gly His Phe His Lys Val Ile Gly Asn Glu 230 235 240 Phe Arg Asp Ile Pro Thr Ile Ile Pro Thr Gly Ser Thr Leu Ala 245 250 255 Gly Lys Gly Asn Tyr Pro Ala Ile Val Ile Leu Asp Val Cys His 260 265 270 Phe Gly Ile Glu Leu Gly Gly Arg Phe Ala Phe 275 280 20 271 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-20 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 20 Met Asn Tyr Lys Lys Phe Val Val Gly Val Ala Leu Ala Thr Leu 5 10 15 Leu Ser Phe Leu Pro Asp Asn Ser Phe Ser Asp Ala Asn Val Pro 20 25 30 Glu Gly Arg Lys Gly Phe Tyr Val Gly Thr Gln Tyr Lys Val Gly 35 40 45 Val Pro Asn Phe Ser Asn Phe Ser Ala Glu Glu Thr Leu Pro Gly 50 55 60 Leu Thr Lys Ser Ile Phe Ala Leu Gly Leu Asp Lys Ser Ser Ile 65 70 75 Ser Asp His Ala Gly Phe Thr Gln Ala Tyr Asn Pro Thr Tyr Ala 80 85 90 Ser Asn Phe Ala Gly Phe Gly Gly Val Ile Gly Tyr Tyr Val Asn 95 100 105 Asp Phe Arg Val Glu Phe Glu Gly Ala Tyr Glu Asn Phe Glu Pro 110 115 120 Glu Arg Gln Trp Tyr Pro Glu Gly Gly Glu Ser His Lys Phe Phe 125 130 135 Ala Leu Ser Arg Glu Ser Thr Val Gln Asp Asn Lys Phe Ile Val 140 145 150 Leu Glu Asn Asp Gly Val Ile Asp Lys Ser Leu Asn Val Asn Phe 155 160 165 Cys Tyr Asp Ile Ala His Gly Ser Ile Pro Leu Ala Pro Tyr Met 170 175 180 Cys Ala Gly Val Gly Ala Asp Tyr Ile Lys Phe Leu Gly Ile Ser 185 190 195 Leu Pro Lys Phe Ser Tyr Gln Val Lys Phe Gly Val Asn Tyr Pro 200 205 210 Val Ser Val Asn Val Met Leu Phe Gly Gly Gly Tyr Tyr His Lys 215 220 225 Val Ile Gly Asn Arg Tyr Glu Arg Val Glu Ile Ala Tyr His Pro 230 235 240 Ala Thr Leu Thr Asn Val Pro Lys Thr Thr Ser Ala Ser Ala Thr 245 250 255 Leu Asp Thr Asp Tyr Phe Gly Trp Glu Val Gly Met Arg Phe Thr 260 265 270 Leu 21 279 PRT Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28-21 Outer Membrane Protein of Ehrlichia chaffeensis 21 Met Arg Tyr Lys Asp Phe Ser Asn Asn Ile Asp Val Ile Ile Gly 5 10 15 Thr Leu Val Gly Cys Phe Ser Gly Ser Leu Asp Val Ser Asp Ser 20 25 30 Leu Asn Ser Arg Leu Lys Pro Val Phe Leu Gly Ile Ser Tyr Lys 35 40 45 Leu Ser Ala Pro Leu Phe Ser Ser Phe Ser Ile Gly Glu Thr Tyr 50 55 60 Arg Ile Asn Gly Val Lys Thr Asp Arg Val Val Gly Leu Lys Ser 65 70 75 Asp Ile Leu Leu Asp Ala Asp Lys Ala Met Lys Asp Phe Asn Asn 80 85 90 Phe Asn Phe Ser Glu Glu Tyr Val Pro Lys Tyr Asp Asn Asn Ile 95 100 105 Phe Gly Leu Ser Phe Ile Phe Gly Tyr Ser Phe Arg Asn Leu Arg 110 115 120 Val Glu Leu Glu Gly Ser Tyr Lys Lys Phe Asp Val Ile Asp Thr 125 130 135 Arg Asn His Leu Val Asp Asn Asn Tyr Arg His Ile Ala Leu Val 140 145 150 Arg Ser Asn Pro Pro Thr Leu Tyr Asp Tyr Phe Val Leu Lys Asn 155 160 165 Asp Gly Val Glu Phe Tyr Ser Thr Ile Leu Asn Ile Cys Tyr Asp 170 175 180 Phe Ala Val Asp Thr Asn Ile Val Pro Phe Ser Cys Val Gly Ile 185 190 195 Gly Glu Asp Ile Ile Lys Ile Phe Asp Ser Ile Arg Phe Lys Pro 200 205 210 Ser Phe Asn Ser Lys Leu Gly Ile Asn Tyr Leu Met Ser Gln Asp 215 220 225 Met Leu Leu Phe Phe Asp Val Tyr Tyr His Arg Val Val Gly Asn 230 235 240 Glu Tyr Asn Asn Ile Pro Val Gln Tyr Val Ser Leu Pro Asn Pro 245 250 255 Leu Asn Ile Ser Thr Ala Ala Lys Leu Asp Met Glu Tyr Phe Gly 260 265 270 Ala Glu Ile Gly Ile Lys Val Phe Val 275 22 23 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-10 forward primer 22 acgtgatatg gaaagcaaca agt 23 23 18 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-10 reverse primer 23 gcgccgaaat atccaaca 18 24 22 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-11 forward primer 24 ggtcaaactt gccctaaaca ca 22 25 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-11 reverse primer 25 acttcaccac caaaataccc aata 24 26 19 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-12 forward primer 26 ctgctggcat tagttaccc 19 27 17 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-12 reverse primer 27 catagcagcc attgacc 17 28 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-13 forward primer 28 attgattgcc tattacttga tggt 24 29 20 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-13 reverse primer 29 aatggggctg ttggttactc 20 30 23 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-14 forward primer 30 tgaagacgca atagcagata aga 23 31 20 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-14 reverse primer 31 tagcgcagat gtggtttgag 20 32 21 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-15 forward primer 32 actgtcgcgt tgtatggttt g 21 33 22 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-15 reverse primer 33 attagtgctg cttgctttac ga 22 34 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-17 forward primer 34 tgcaaggtga caatattagt ggta 24 35 22 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-17 reverse primer 35 gtattccgct gttgtcttgt tg 22 36 21 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-18 forward primer 36 acattttggc gtattctctg c 21 37 21 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-18 reverse primer 37 tagctttccc ccactgttat g 21 38 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-20 forward primer 38 aacttatggc tttctcctcc tttc 24 39 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-20 reverse primer 39 ttgcctgata attctttttc tgat 24 40 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-21 forward primer 40 accaacttcc caaccaaaat aatc 24 41 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind P28-21 reverse primer 41 ctgaaggagg agaaagccat aagt 24 42 23 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 1a-r1 primer 42 accaaagtat gcaatgtcaa gtg 23 43 25 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 1a-r2 primer 43 ctgcagatgt gactttagga gattc 25 44 23 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28r3 primer 44 tgtatatctt ccagggtctt tga 23 45 18 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind pvur32 primer 45 gaccattcta cctcaacc 18 46 22 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28r10 primer 46 atatccaatt gctccactga aa 22 47 30 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28r12 primer 47 cttgaaatgt aacagtatat ggaccttgaa 30 48 20 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28stur primer 48 tgtccttttt aagcccaact 20 49 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28r14 primer 49 ttctgcagat tgatgtggat gttt 24 50 21 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28r15 primer 50 tgcagattga tgtggatgtt t 21 51 22 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28f1 primer 51 gtaaaacaca agccaccagt ct 22 52 24 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28f2 primer 52 gggcatatac ctacaccaaa cacc 24 53 21 DNA artificial sequence primer_bind 28f3 primer 53 taagaggatt gggtaaggat a 21 

What is claimed is:
 1. DNA encoding one or more P28 proteins from Ehrlichia chaffeensis, wherein said proteins have amino acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No.2, SEQ ID No. 3, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 5, SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID No. 7, SEQ ID No. 8, SEQ ID No. 9, SEQ ID No. 10, SEQ ID No 11, SEQ ID No. 12, SEQ ID No. 13, SEQ ID No. 20 and SEQ ID No. 21, and wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of: (a) isolated DNA which encodes said P28 proteins; (b) isolated DNA which hybridizes to isolated DNA of (a) above under high stringency conditions consisting of hybridization at 42° C. in the presence of about 50% formamide, a first wash at 65° C. with 2×SSC containing 1% SDS and a second wash at 65° C. with 0.1×SSC, and which encodes said P28 proteins; and (c) isolated DNA differing from the isolated DNAs of (a) and (b) above in codon sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, and which encodes said P28 proteins.
 2. The DNA of claim 1, wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of GenBank accession number AF230642 and GenBank accession number AF230643.
 3. The DNA of claim 1, wherein said DNA consists of a single locus of Ehrlichia chaffeensis encoding said P28 proteins.
 4. The DNA sequences of claim 3, wherein said locus is a multigene locus of 23 kb length.
 5. A vector comprising the DNA of claim 1 and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in a cell.
 6. A host cell transfected with the vector of claim 5, said vector expressing a P28 protein.
 7. The host cell of claim 6, wherein said cell is selected from group consisting of bacterial cells, mammalian cells, plant cells and insect cells.
 8. The host cell of claim 7, wherein said bacterial cell is E. coli.
 9. An isolated and purified Ehrlichia chaffeensis P28 surface protein encoded by the DNA of claim
 1. 10. An isolated and purified P28 protein having a n amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No.2, SEQ ID No. 3, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 5, SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID No. 7, SEQ ID No. 8, SEQ ID No. 9, SEQ ID No. 10, SEQ ID No 11, SEQ ID No. 12, SEQ ID No. 13, SEQ ID No. 20 and SEQ ID No.
 21. 11. An antibody directed against the P28 protein of claim
 10. 12. The antibody of claim 11, wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
 13. A vaccine against Ehrlichia chaffeensis comprising one or more of the proteins of claim
 10. 